2020 GMC Yukon Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Not too long ago, families with more than two kids were forced to shop for a minivan to get them all from point A to B. Now, there are SUV options that have enough space while also having more visual appeal. The 2020 GMC Yukon is a great example of this. It can seat up to nine people, tow up to 8,500 pounds, and has available the latest tech and convenience features.

There are four trims of the Yukon to consider. Each comes in a standard and XL version. The XL adds about 20" to the overall length of the vehicle. Doing so increases the rear legroom and more than doubles the cargo space behind the third-row of seating. Both versions of each trim get the same fuel efficiency, but the XL's gas tank is bigger by five gallons. All trims are rear-wheel-drive standard but have the option of upgrading to four-wheel-drive.

The options in 2020 are known as the SLE, SLT Standard, SLT, and Denali. All models are well-equipped and offer many features that are not typically seen on lower trim levels. The top-of-the-line Denali has almost every feature out there currently.

In the following guide, the differences between each trim level are laid out.The goal is to help buyers decide if the 2020 Yukon is right for them, and if so, which one.

 

Compare the 2020 GMC Yukon SLE vs SLT Standard Edition Trims. What is the difference?

One of the best things about the GMC Yukon is the fact that all models use a powerful V8 engine. The SLE is powered by a 5.3L EcoTec V8 that will generate 355-horsepower as well as 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine utilizes direct injection and active fuel management technology to improve efficiency. That said, this beast of a gas-guzzler will not be winning any awards on that front. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The SLE trim of the 2020 Yukon sits on 18" aluminum wheels. It gives you a 17" full-size spare tire, a nice touch that is becoming less and less common. Drivers have the option of upping their wheels to 20" or even 22" on this trim.

Those interested in towing can add the Heavy Duty Trailering Package to the SLE trim. It gives the Yukon a trailer brake controller, 3.42 axle ratio, and premium suspension with rear air leveler. Models with 4WD also get the advanced two-speed transfer case that does not become standard equipment until the Denali.

Outside the SLE, drivers will find black assist steps and black side-mounted roof rails. It has acoustic laminated glass to help reduce road noise from seeping inside of the cabin. Active aero shutters, which close at high speeds to improve aerodynamics, are also standard for the SLE. The rear wiper for the Yukon is "hidden" because it is located at the top of the liftgate and underneath the spoiler.

Moving on to lighting, the SLE comes standard with daytime running lights, fog lights, and halogen projector-beam headlights. It gives you heated power side mirrors. The liftgate is manual but there is the option of power. The windshield wipers are rain-sensing, another handy feature not commonly found on entry-level models.

Inside, there are plenty of convenient features. The SLE gives you a 110-volt power outlet and the option of adding a 12-volt one as well. All models are 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capable. A Bose premium sound system, which includes nine speakers, is standard as well.

As for the infotainment system, this trim receives an 8" screen. It is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, making it easy to sync a smartphone with the 2020 Yukon. The multi-touch display also allows drivers to control the Bluetooth settings and customize their home screen. Voice-activated technology, which reduces driver distraction, is standard for this system.

Another screen drivers will find in the 2020 Yukon is the 4.2" driver information center. This is a customizable screen that gives vehicle information as well as any warning messages. It is where you will find your tire pressure, fuel range, trip odometer, and more.

Tri-zone automatic climate control is included with the SLE. Drivers get front bucket seats and 60/40 split-folding second and third-row seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring audio and cruise controls is standard across the board as well. All models of the 2020 GMC Yukon give you remote start engines. Remote keyless entry is included also.

There are not too many advanced safety features for this trim. The SLE does give you a rear vision camera as well as the Teen Driver feature. This feature allows drivers to limit settings and receive a "report card" about how their teenager is doing behind the wheel. Front and rear parking sensors are included on the SLE. Automatic emergency braking is an available feature, as is lane keep assist with lane departure warning and forward collision warning.

The next choice to consider when looking at the 2020 Yukon is the SLT Standard Edition. This trim level adds IntelliBeam headlights, which have the ability to turn on and off the high beams as needed. The Memory Package is also added for this trim. On the SLT Standard Edition, this means the Yukon can remember two different driver seat and pedal positions. The SLT Standard Edition also makes the power liftgate standard.

Moving inside of the cabin, drivers will find that the 12-volt power outlets have become standard. There are two up front, one for the third row, and one in the cargo area. Although the same infotainment system is standard, this trim gives you the option of adding navigation. Leather seating surfaces are also available. For the SLT Standard Edition, the Yukon gains an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Bucket seats for the second row become an option here. Leather bucket seats in the front-row are standard. This trim adds the option of a rear seat Blu-Ray/DVD entertainment system. Yukon XL models get two 9" screens for this system. All models with the entertainment system get a remote and two pairs of wireless digital headphones. The SLT Standard Edition gives you a universal home remote, which can be programmed to open garage doors and gates, as well as control security systems.

This trim level can add the Value Plus Edition Package. With it, the Yukon gains 20" wheels, a power sunroof, and the bucket seats for the second row. It also adds chrome inserts into the grille. As for advanced safety aids, the previously optional features become standard.

The SLT Standard Edition adds a decent number of features but also increases the price by nearly five thousand dollars.

Compare the 2020 GMC Yukon SLT Standard Edition vs SLT Trims.  What is the difference?

For the SLT, the 5.3L V8 remains standard. However, you have the option of upgrading to a 6.2L V8 that produces 420-horsepower as well as 480 lb-ft of torque. When going with this engine, the SLT trim has a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Available for the SLT is the Enhanced Security Package. This will give the Yukon a theft-deterrent system that includes a self-powered horn as well as interior movement and vehicle inclination sensors. These sensors can detect if the vehicle is being put up on a tow truck or jack and alert the owner through an alarm. The package also adds glass break sensors in the liftgate window and rear quarter window.

Coming standard for the SLT are heated power mirrors with an auto-dimming feature and integrated turn signals. It gets a hands-free power liftgate. This feature allows the liftgate to open when you swing your foot underneath the sensor, provided that it detects the key fob. It has a memory function that allows the driver to program the height they would like the liftgate to open. The steering column gains power tilting and telescoping and the memory function can remember two settings once again.

Peace and quiet inside the cabin can be enhanced thanks to the available active noise cancellation. Luxury is enhanced with the heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, and heated steering wheel. The second and third rows of seating gain a power-folding feature. Power second row bucket seats are an available option for the SLT.

Safety features are added for this trim level. Coming standard are lane change alert featuring side blind zone alert as well as rear cross-traffic alert. An available feature is a heads-up display. This adjustable display projects important information right into the driver's line of sight. The information can include navigation, safety alerts, and other key vehicle data.

The SLT trim adds the comfort features that are growing more popular, making it worth the extra cost to many.

Compare the 2020 GMC Yukon SLT vs Denali Trims. What is the difference?

The ultimate version of the 2020 GMC Yukon is the Denali. This trim adds the 6.2L engine and ten-speed transmission as standard equipment. It adds a high-capacity air cleaner and integrated trailer brake controller. Also added is magnetic ride control, which is available on the SLT. This feature increases traction and steering control for the Yukon.

The Denali also makes a two-speed transfer case standard for the four-wheel-drive models. Drivers do have the option of adding this feature on lower trim levels with four-wheel-drive as well. With this transfer case, it is easy to switch in and out of four-wheel-drive. It is accomplished using a knob located right next to the steering wheel. The knob allows you to choose from neutral, two-wheel-drive high, 4WD automatic, 4WD high, and 4WD low.

Standard for the Denali are 20" aluminum wheels. There is still a long list of available wheel upgrades here, including 22" options. The Denali gets bright body-side moldings and the option of adding chrome mirror caps. Also available is the Denali Premium Package. With this, you get 22" wheels, the power sunroof, wheel locks, and power-retractable assist steps.

The lighting on the Denali is upgraded to high-intensity discharge projector-beam headlights. On the inside, the 8" infotainment screen gains navigation as standard equipment. The driver information center screen jumps up to 8". The active noise cancellation becomes standard as well. One major upgrade for this trim is the Bose Centerpoint surround sound stereo system. It has ten speakers and includes AudioPilot technology to optimize sound levels in the vehicle.

Finally, the head's up display becomes standard here. If the Denali is looking good to you, keep in mind that it comes with a price jump of approximately ten thousand dollars.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

Sticking with the middle trims is going to be a safe bet when it comes to the 2020 Yukon. The entry-level model is decent but lacks some comfort and convenience features most people are going to want. As impressive as the Denali is, its price tag is a deal-breaker.

Both the SLT Standard Edition and the SLT have most of the safety, tech, and convenience features you will need. The SLT in particular, with its heated seats and standard safety features, is an attractive choice.

The SLT is a good option for the 2020 GMC Yukon, especially if you pay the extra for the larger engine and four-wheel-drive.